4.27.2017

YEAH! If you are reading this post it must mean you are almost ready to bind off your Creatrix MKAL! (Spoiler Alert: If you read/watch ahead you will see bits of Creatrix, so if you want to keep the mystery going don't watch these just yet!)

First Off, you'll see in the pattern that I give you 2 options for binding off Creatrix, a Beaded Picot Bind Off, and a Beaded Lace Bind Off!

Watch this video to learn more about them:

Here's a video tutorial for the Beaded Picot Bind Off (done with Size 6 beads):

Here's a video tutorial for the Beaded Lace Bind Off (done with Size 6 beads):

Remember... you can work either of these bind off's without beads, just skip the placing bead step.

Thankyou again and again for playing with me on this! I hope you enjoyed yourself and learned a ton!

4.20.2017

Every so often a design of mine demands short rows.... I write the detailed instructions into my patterns but sometimes a little extra help is necessary to understand the maneuvers. So, here are quick videos for the two types of short rows I use the most!

First off, what is a short row?
A short row is a partial row of knitting that allows you to shape your knit fabric by adding more (or less) rows to your work.

German Short Rows (sometimes called Yarn Over Short Rows)
I use German Short Rows when I am working stockinette stitch as I find that they hide themselves beautifully in the fabric.

Wrap and Turn Short Rows
I use w&t (wrap and turn) short rows when I am working garter stitch as you don't need to pick up the wrap because it gets hidden in the garter ridges.

4.11.2017

Many of you know I visited Ireland
with my family last summer.... it turned out to be a bit of a scouting
trip and I've put together a knitting adventure for us to take together! Ireland is gorgeous and full of opportunity! I can't wait to
knit and learn and explore the western shore of the country with you!

Day 1: Arrive
in Shannon and travel to Killarney's Lake Hotel (with a scrummy lunch
stop along the way). We'll be starting our adventure retreat "style"
with Carol Feller, knitting and chatting and then follow that with a
fantastic group dinner. The Lake Hotel has a the ruins of a 12th century
castle and overlooks Killarney Lake... we'll knit, get to know each
other, and rejuvenate from our travels in comfort!

View from the dining room of The Lake Hotel!

Day 2: We'll start our day with a true Irish
breakfast and then have a knitting workshop with Carol Feller, lunch and
a bit 'o shopping in Killarney and then a Jaunting Car Ride in
Killarney National Park!

Day 3: Group breakfast,
and then head out on a Ring of Kerry tour around the stunning Iveargh
Peninsula and end the day with a visit and tour of the Kerry Woollen
Mills.

Day 4: Another yummy Breakfast, a quick
visit to Hedgehog Fibres in Cork, and then lunch and exploring Bunratty
Castle and Folk Park, and then onto Galway for a lovely group dinner in
our hotel at the Harbor!

The color wall at Hedgehog!

Day 5: Craft in Connemara day (starts with
Breakfast!)! Tour of Connemara with a visit to Spiddal Craft and Design
Centre and a basket making workshop with Ciaran Hogan, then onto
Kylemore Abbey, finally a visit to a traditional working Sheep Farm,
the Glen Keen Sheep Farm. The evening is your own... we may decide to
head into town and catch a traditional Irish Music session in any one of
Galway’s traditional pubs or simply relax in the hotel.

Day 6: We'll
have breakfast and then head out to visit to the National Museum of
Country Life (optional) and then have an afternoon workshop with the
iconic Anne O'Maille and visit her knitting store in Galway.

Day 7: After
Breakfast (sense a theme here?) we will flight or ferry to Inis Oírr in
the Aran Islands. On the island we will be met by Una McDonagh and
treated to a workshop on traditional knitting methods and Aran Island
stitches at the Aras Eanna Art and Craft Centre. We'll be staying at B
&B's on the island and have an opportunity to get to know our
hosts and learn about island life! The day ends with a sumptuous group
dinner at a local restaurant!

Day 8: First,
breakfast, then we'll ferry over to Inis Mór (the largest of the Aran
Islands) and have a guided tour that includes the impressive fort of Dún
Aonghasa. Then we'll head for lunch at a local restaurant and visit
some of the knitwear shops on the island. In the afternoon we'll take
the ferry back to Inis Oírr and have a St Bridgets Cross Making workshop
with Una! Another yummy dinner is scheduled for the group!

Day 9: BREAKFAST!
And then we'll ferry over to Doolin where we will take a short tour of
the Burren and learn about the region, we'll visit Poulnabrone Portal
Tomb, Cliffs of Moher for lunch and a wee hike, and then travel through
the charming village of Fanore. We will then head to Dromoland Castle
for our last night together! I needed us to stay in a castle before
heading home... a delicious meal is planned for our farewell dinner.

Day 10: LAST BREAKFAST, and then it is time to head to the airport for our journey's home... (insert sad face here).

The Tour includes :

Transfers on arrival and departure by private coach

Sightseeing as per itinerary in a luxury coach with an
experienced driver and licensed guide and Laura Nelkin, knitting
designer and teacher